And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive.
Matthew 19:23 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it will be difficult for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven. American Standard Version (1901) And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Common English Bible Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I assure you that it will be very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Amen, I say to you, that the wealthy shall enter with difficulty into the kingdom of heaven. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Then Jesus said to his disciples: Amen, I say to you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. |
And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive.
and said, “Truly I tell you, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless you turn [your life around] and become like little children [i.e., having child-like humility].
But when the young man heard these words, he went away saddened, for he had many possessions.
Which of these two sons did what his father wanted?” They answered, “The first one.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes [will] enter the kingdom of God ahead of you.
For I say to you people, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven unless what you do that is right excels what the experts in the Law of Moses and the Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] do that is right.
Then Jesus looked around Him and said to His disciples, “How difficult it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!”
Now Jesus looked at him and said, “How difficult [it is] for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!
Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I tell you, a person cannot see the kingdom of God [i.e., enter it. See verse 5], unless he is born from above.” [Note: The words “from above” are also used in verse 31, but in this place they could also mean “again,” or “anew” and refer to the source of a person’s second birth].
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I tell you, a person cannot enter the kingdom of God unless he is born out of water and the Holy Spirit.
[Along the way] they strengthened the hearts of the disciples, urging them to continue [to believe and practice] the faith and [explaining] that entering God's [heavenly] kingdom [See II Tim. 4:18] requires enduring many trials.
Now consider how you were when you were called, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were from prominent families.
But you people have dishonored the poor person. Are not rich people the ones who oppress you and drag you to court?